Which term describes the belief in many different gods that may represent aspects of one god?

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Enhance Your Knowledge for UCF's ANT2410 Exam. Prepare with quiz questions on cultural anthropology, explore humanity's rich tapestry, and increase your chances of excelling at the University of Central Florida.

The term that describes the belief in many different gods, which may also represent aspects of one god, is polytheism. This belief system posits that multiple deities exist, each with their own distinct roles, characteristics, and domains. Polytheistic religions often allow for the understanding that these gods can embody different facets of a greater divine reality, leading to a complex interplay of worship and representation within the religious framework.

For context, monotheism refers to the belief in a single all-powerful deity, which contrasts with polytheism by excluding the existence of multiple gods. Animatism is the belief in a universal spirit that resides in all things, while animism typically ascribes spiritual essence to natural objects and phenomena, focusing on the individual spirits themselves rather than a pantheon of gods. These other belief systems do not convey the same multiplicity and layered representation of divinity found in polytheism.